Anew introduction from Murata Power Solutions ( www.murata-ps.com) is the MVAB120 series of open-frame, single output, 120W power
supplies. Useful for a range of telecom and industrial applications, the
supplies are up to 91% efficient and offer fan-free operation using
convection cooling. The devices come in three output models — 12, 24,
and 48 VDC — and they accommodate standard input ranges from 90 to
264 VAC and 120 to 300 VDC. Measuring just 2 x 4 x 1.35 inches (101.6
x 50. 8 x 34. 3 mm), they satisfy the 1U form factor specs. The MVAB
supplies can deliver a full load in the range of - 10°C to 50°C and include
overcurrent, overvoltage, and overtemperature protection. They'll run you
up to about $50 to $60 each, depending on quantity. ▲
CIRCUITS AND DEVICES

■ Fanless power
supply is up to
91% efficient.

AUTOMOTIVE MYSTERY SOLVED

One of the ancient mysteries of the automotive world is when to change your oil. Your dad probably told you to do it every 3,000-5,000 miles. Newer cars flash a message on the dash when you reach the prescribed milestone. But, do
you truly believe that the useful life of motor oil depends entirely on how many miles you have driven? Doesn't start-and-stop driving put more of a strain on it than highway cruising? Doesn't temperature make a difference? Aren't some
vehicles harder on oil than others? Don't some oils last longer than others? Well, you won't need to ponder these
questions much longer, because by the time you read this, Lubricheck should
be available. All you have to do is feed four or five drops of oil from the
dipstick into the credit-card-size device, press a button, and it will instantly
rate your oil on a scale of 1 to 10. Anything up to 7 places it in the "OK"
zone; 8 or 9 indicates the "change soon" zone; and 10 means "change now."

Lubricheck uses a combination of capacitive and resistive sensing to
make the test, and it will even display a flashing red LED if the sample is
contaminated with antifreeze, water, or metal. (This makes it useful when
shopping for a used car, as it might allow you to detect things like a leaky
head gasket.) And, yes, there's an app for that, so you can record and track oil
data on multiple vehicles and email customized reminders to users. Lubricheck
is priced at $39.95 and can be found at www.lubricheck.com. ▲

■ Lubricheck, a "blood tester"
for your vehicle.

AVOID THAT DUI

There was a time when you could go bar hopping, toss down a dozen or so shots of Jack, chase them with beer, and drive on home when you hit closing time. Unless
you were weaving all over the road or speeding, the cops weren't likely to be
concerned about you. However, those days are long gone. Today, the authorities keep
their eyes peeled for any signs of impairment and will show you no mercy.

So, let's say you've been hanging out at the local pub for a couple hours, throwing
darts with your buddies, and you've had a beer every 20 minutes. Let's also specify
that you're a 180 lb male. You feel just fine; not a bit impaired. According to boozing
charts, though, you now have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.102 percent which
is well over the 0.08 percent that qualifies you for a DUI in all 50 states. If you get
caught driving, the result can be fines, legal fees, insurance rate increases, and
treatment fees, which can cost $10,000 or more. You will also face license suspension,
possible job loss, and some really dirty looks from the wife. So, if you do tipple a brew
now and then, it might be a good idea to invest $29 in a gadget like the BACtrack
Keychain Breathalyzer, available all over the Web. There's not much to say about it
except that it provides results ranging from 0.00 to 0.40 percent BAC, provides a
readout in five seconds, and comes with three mouthpieces so you can test a couple
friends, too. If you put your car keys on it, you won't forget to use it. ▲